FLEE vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLEE (Franklin FTSE Europe ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds - FLEE tracks the FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index while VGK tracks the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLEE returned 8.96%/yr vs 8.57%/yr for VGK. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLEE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

FLEE vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FLEE having a 6.25% return and VGK slightly lower at 6.16%.

FLEE

• 1D: -1.18%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 6.25%
• 6M: 5.83%
• 1Y: 19.11%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 8.96%
• 10Y*: —

VGK

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 19.10%
• 3Y*: 16.76%
• 5Y*: 8.57%
• 10Y*: 10.38%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FLEE vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	6.25%	35.76%	2.03%	20.46%	-15.22%	16.84%	5.33%	24.41%	-14.97%	1.80%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	6.16%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	1.51%

Correlation

The correlation between FLEE and VGK is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.95

The correlation between FLEE and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLEE vs. VGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLEE	VGK
Financial Services	23.7%	23.6%
Industrials	18.4%	19.3%
Healthcare	12.4%	11.9%
Technology	9.5%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.8%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	6.8%
Basic Materials	5.7%	5.3%
Energy	5.1%	5.3%
Utilities	4.8%	4.7%
Communication Services	3.4%	3.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.5%

Return for Risk

FLEE vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FLEE

FLEE Risk / Return Rank: 35
FLEE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FLEE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
FLEE Omega Ratio Rank: 33
FLEE Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
FLEE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 35
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 39

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FLEE vs. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FLEE	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.21	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.79	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.22	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	1.59	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.64	5.89	-0.24

FLEE vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLEE Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLEE and VGK, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FLEE vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLEE drawdown since its inception was -37.27%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLEE and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLEE	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.27%	-63.61%	+26.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.37%	-12.09%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.59%	-14.31%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.62%	-32.74%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.41%	-1.91%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.07%	-13.31%	+6.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	3.25%	+0.14%

Volatility

FLEE vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Europe ETF (FLEE) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) have volatilities of 4.94% and 4.96%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLEE	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	4.96%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	13.38%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.97%	15.81%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.44%	17.96%	-0.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	18.56%	+0.39%

FLEE vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLEE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLEE vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

FLEE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, less than VGK's 2.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLEE Franklin FTSE Europe ETF	0.91%	2.76%	3.93%	2.57%	3.48%	3.61%	1.88%	3.02%	3.85%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.95%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLEE and VGK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FLEE and VGK move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FLEE or VGK?

VGK has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to FLEE (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLEE dropped -37.27% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which ETF is better, FLEE or VGK?

On 5-year performance, FLEE leads with 8.96% vs 8.57% for VGK. On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLEE or VGK?

Over the 5-year period, FLEE has performed better with a 8.96% return vs 8.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLEE or VGK?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for FLEE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLEE or VGK?

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.95%, compared with 0.91% for FLEE.

What is the main difference between FLEE and VGK?

FLEE tracks FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLEE and 0.06% for VGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 1.20), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.